A daily cup of matcha may benefit your health in more ways than you think. Reviewed by Dietitian Alyssa Pike, RDN Reviewed by Dietitian Alyssa Pike, RDN
Matcha has been an integral part of Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries. Carefully crafted from shaded green tea leaves, the tea is renowned for its rich flavor, smooth texture and culinary versatility, from overnight oats to cake and even jello shots . Along with its alluring sensory appeal, matcha green tea contains several key compounds that contribute to a wide range of health benefits. Below you will discover what these health benefits are and exciting ways to enjoy this robust–and often refreshing–beverage.
Related: The Best Tea for Gut Health, According to Dietitians What is Matcha?
Matcha is a green tea powder that is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. What sets it apart from other green tea varieties is its unique cultivation process.
During the growth period, the green tea bushes are covered with bamboo to shade the delicate leaves from direct sunlight. This method of sun protection prompts the tea leaves to produce higher amounts of beneficial compounds, including chlorophyll and L-theanine . These potent plant compounds give matcha its distinctive dark green pigment and robust flavor.
After the leaves have fully matured, they are carefully harvested and lightly steamed. The leaves are then ground into a fine powder to make matcha tea. Unlike steeping traditional green tea, matcha involves consuming the entire leaf, offering a more concentrated source of its many health-enhancing compounds. Health Benefits of Matcha
May Help You Feel More Relaxed
Starting your day with a mug of matcha may promote a sense of calm and clarity. As mentioned above, matcha contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which has been found to boost alpha waves in the brain, leading to increased feelings of relaxation and calmness, says Lacey Dunn, M.S., RD , functional medicine dietitian and owner of Upliftfit Nutrition. L-theanine also increases the production of several neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which help to reduce stress and anxiety , she adds. […]
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